Virginia Health Concerns Regarding The Recent Flooding

Posted by Lena Burkutt, Community Contributor

Now that the floods have begun to subside, consumers are now able to assess the damage. Although the storms might be over, the risks remain. In fact, the current risks may be more startling and detrimental to your overall health than the previous. If you intend to return to the flooded area, it is essential to keep yourself safe and take precautions against illness and disease. Virginia's flooding has led to water stagnation, which is considered to be a major environmental hazard. And, the problem is complicated further by the fact that water stagnation will encourage the growth of mosquitoes.

As a frequent news watcher, it is nearly impossible not to be familiar with the health risks associated with mosquitoes and their bites. Zika is only one of the major problems linked to mosquito bites. Unfortunately, these pests are capable of spreading an assortment of different illnesses and diseases. If you expect to encounter stagnated water, it is a good idea to wear a strong repellent and wear long sleeves and pants. Unfortunately, this may not be enough. The Virginia Department of Health just recently announced their new campaign to try and decrease the mosquito population.

Even if you do not own a home near the flooded areas, it is pertinent to clean up stagnated water around your home. Clean out the gutters and drain pipes around your home. This can help to diminish and possibly even prevent mosquitoes from inhabiting your property. Another problem that must be noted is trench foot. This ailment, which is also known as immersion foot, generally impacts those that have been trudging through water for an extensive period of time. The problem can be prevented and treated, but it is also incredibly painful. Once trench foot has been contracted, patients may be required to visit one of the area's hair restoration centers to encourage regrowth of hair on the impacted area.

It is also absolutely pertinent to remember that flood water may very well contain sewage. Also, the water could very well mix with chemicals. This includes potentially hazardous materials. The overall impact of the chemical depends solely on the chemical in question, but the risks are enormous, so it is best to avoid any water, which may have mixed with unknown chemicals.

Flooding causes much concern, because it disrupts the water purification process. The effects can last for many weeks to months after the flood recedes. Stagnant water contains various forms of infectious organism that can spread to humans. Healthcare staff, emergency response teams, and law enforcement agencies are working around the clock to provide care to the injured. This puts the workers at a high risk of contracting blood borne viruses such as HBV, HCV, and HIV.

Wading through the flood and stagnant waters are also put the victims at risk of gastrointestinal infections. Rotavirus is one of the most common causes of intestinal illnesses. This virus can be found throughout the United States, so everyone that comes into contact with the infectious waters. These risks will continue for several months, if not years after the flood waters recede, so Virginia residents are encouraged to boil or filter all of their drinking water.